The office, which has been in Kigali since 2013, serves as a local hub for Rwandan businesses accessing services at the Port of Mombasa.
The MoU provides a strategic framework to enhance coordination, streamline logistics, and boost trade competitiveness along the Northern Corridor. By handling port-related issues locally, the Kigali office allows Rwandan importers to avoid travelling to Kenya, saving time and reducing costs.
Captain William Kipkemboi Ruto, Managing Director of KPA, said the agreement underscores the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
'This office has been here since 2013, and today's MoU formalises our commitment to support Rwanda's business community,' he said.
He noted that cargo throughput for Rwanda grew by 22.8 percent last year, totalling 896,000 metric tons of goods transported through Mombasa Port.
'There is more opportunity to grow this volume to over a million tons. Our goal is to bring the port closer to the consumer and simplify business operations for Rwandan importers,' Captain Ruto added.
Captain Ruto also highlighted the office's role in digitisation and automation. Through KPA's online payment platform and CargoPay, businesses can process transactions in Rwandan francs without physical interactions, speeding up cargo clearance and reducing delays.
Mohamed Daghar, Kenya's Principal Secretary for Transport, noted that the MoU ensures the Kigali office operates in full compliance with Rwandan law.
'Rwanda is a key partner for us. This agreement will help eliminate non-tariff barriers and other obstacles along the Northern Corridor, enhancing the flow of goods between our countries,' he said.
Rwanda's Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), Canoth Manishimwe, emphasised the impact on cross-border trade.
'This agreement strengthens cooperation and creates smoother processes for resolving any trade-related issues,' he said. 'Commercial trucks will no longer face unlawful delays or unnecessary fines, thanks to the MoU's 'Non-Barrier Tariff' clause.'
Statistics from Rwanda's National Institute of Statistics (NISR) show a steady increase in goods passing through Mombasa Port. In 2022, Rwanda handled 429,850 tons of cargo via the port, rising sharply to 520,000 tons in 2023. The KPA Liaison Office in Kigali is expected to accelerate this growth, improve efficiency, and further strengthen Rwanda's regional trade position.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
